WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3023, 23 October 1878, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

This day: LAST NIGHT'S COUNCIL BUSINESS.

In the Council last, night theOtagoand Southland Education Reserves Leasing Bill was read a second time, and referred to the Waste Lands Committee. EIIIS—HOUSE. The Debtors and Creditors Act Law Amendment Act and Goldmining Districts Act. Amendment passed the House last night.

MB BARTON'S CBABGES. Sir George Grey stated, with reference to Mr Barton's charges against tho judges, that Mr Barton desired to put in the Hansard report his speech, and this not reading, therefore to Government must postpone their reply as to the coarse it was intended to pursue. BAILWAYB Bill. Mr Macandrew moved the second reading of the Railways Construction Bill. All the works in the schedule, except the line from Amberley to Cook's Straits, are to be completed in fire or six years. Proposals re Amberley to Cook's Straits line will be made next session. He was inclined to think there should be one responsible Eailway Minister for each island.

The Government proposed to expend this ye^r four hundred thousand pounds, and £157,000 on immigration. He would amend the bill in committee by making appropriations annral, and striking out the third subsection. Reserves will be made for towns and ?ma)l farms alonj the line—some on deferred payment. He*had received a telegram that proposals for a monthly Bteam service with England were on the way out. The line through the king country would be dependent on the acquisition of land, but the link between Wangauui and New Plymouth would be jo.'ned in two or three years. The expend;* are proposed for the first year was £180,(^0; second £510,000; third £585, C:0; fourth £902,000; fifth £650,C?0; tixth £670,C30.

Mr Richardson criticised the statement. The estimates we.c unreliibb and the bill unnecessary. An ann >al appropriation was preferable. The Tapanui system was dear, involving hxge interests. He regretted the loss of Mr Carruthers, and deprecated the niggardly advertising of tenders. Mr Curtis urged the claims of Nelsoa to extended railway communication, aad moved that the Bill be read that day six , months. ■ . ■ - Mr Hodglrinsou supported, and Messrs Seymour, Richmond, Baigent, Wood, Sharp and Hursrhotise opposed the bill. Ihe debate wm adjourned at 1.25, when the House rose.